When to Start Daycare for Your Infant

Deciding when to start daycare for your infant can be challenging. Each family and child is unique, so the ideal age to start daycare is very dependent on how ready your little one is.

We understand the mix of emotions that come with this decision. The first day of daycare marks a new chapter not just for your baby but for the entire family. It’s about finding a place that feels like an extension of your home, where your child can grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. Follow along as we explore when to start looking for daycare so you can ensure both you and your child are ready for this new chapter.

Choosing the right time and the right daycare can make this transition smoother for both you and your baby. It’s a process that involves assessing your child’s readiness, understanding your family's needs, and finding child care that aligns with your values and expectations. Let’s explore some common milestones when parents often consider starting daycare.

Many parents consider starting daycare when their baby is around six months old. At this age, infants are typically more alert and socially aware, making it a good time for them to start interacting with other children.¹ Additionally, babies at this stage often have established feeding and sleeping routines, which can help ease the transition to infant daycare.

Another popular age for starting daycare is at 12 months. By this time, many infants are walking, exploring, and showing a keen interest in their surroundings.² Starting daycare at one year can help further develop their social and cognitive skills, providing them with a stimulating environment to learn and grow.

For some families, waiting until their child is three years old to start daycare or preschool makes sense. At this age, young children are more independent, can communicate more effectively, and are better able to handle longer separations from their parents. This stage is also an excellent time for a toddler to benefit from the structured early childhood education that daycare centers often provide.³

Knowing when your child is ready for daycare involves observing their behavior and development. Here are some signs that your little one might be ready:

• Social Interest: Your child shows curiosity and interest in interacting with other children and adults.

• Routine Adaptability: They can adapt to and follow a routine, such as regular meal and nap times.

• Separation Comfort: Your little one can handle short separations from you without significant distress.

• Physical Readiness: They have reached certain physical milestones appropriate for their age, such as sitting up, crawling, or walking.

Choosing the right daycare provider is crucial for your child's well-being and your peace of mind. There are several things to look for as you search for the perfect daycare option.

Safety and cleanliness are crucial for a daycare center. Ensure that the facility is clean, childproofed, and follows strict safety protocols. Make sure that the staff are qualified and look for trained and experienced caregivers who are passionate about working with children.

Additionally, a quality child care program should involve both the child and the parent. It’s a good sign if the daycare encourages your involvement and provides regular updates on your child’s progress.

As you are looking for daycare providers, prepare a list of questions to ask the director or staff members. This will help you evaluate each setting. Here are some questions to consider:

• How many staff members will be in the room with my child?

• How do you comfort an upset child?

• Will I get updates throughout the day?

• How many children are in the room?

• Am I able to set up a time to tour the facility?

• Does the daycare provide food, diapers, wipes, etc?

• Will my child spend time outdoors?

Questions like this will help familiarize you with the daycare and understand their values.

Transitioning to daycare can be a significant adjustment for you and your child. You want to make the transition smooth for your child, which will make it easier for you. If your child is old enough, prepare them for daycare by discussing it several days before their first vist. Talk about routines and activities so they know what to expect.

Start with shorter visits to the daycare and gradually increase the time your child spends there. Approach the transition with a positive attitude to help your child feel more comfortable. Sending a favorite lovey or toy with your child can provide them with a sense of security. Or, perhaps you can figure out how to dress your baby for daycare to keep them happy and comfortable all day long.

Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth start to daycare. It will help your little one feel both comfortable and confident spending time away from home.

In addition to talking about daycare with your child, here are some other steps to prepare your child:

• Visit the Daycare Together: Familiarize your child with the daycare setting and caregivers before their first day.

• Establish a Routine: Create a consistent daily routine that aligns with the daycare’s schedule.

• Health and Safety: Ensure your child is up to date with vaccinations and communicate any special needs to the daycare staff.

• Gather Supplies: Prepare a list of necessary items, such as extra clothing, diapers, a kids backpack , and bottles, and label everything with your kid’s name. See more in our guide on what to pack for daycare.

Sources: 

¹ US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important Milestones: Your Baby by Six Months.

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-6mo.html

² National Library of Medicine. Developmental milestones record - 12 months

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002005.htm

³ American Academy of Pediatrics. Quality Early Education and Child Care From Birth to Kindergarten

https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/140/2/e20171488/38652/Quality-Early-Education-and-Child-Care-From-Birth?autologincheck=redirected